Solarventascope



y 30, 1957 f-i'b. GR-OOS ET AL 3,322,484

SOLAHVENTAS COPE Y Filed Dc. 26, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOQS.

v F. DELMARGPOO?) JOHN 1. PRICE no 5' M. GENE uopxms ATTORNEY? United States Patent 3,322,484 SOLARVENTASCOPE Francis Delmar Groos, 206 American Bank of Commerce Bld'g.; and John T. Price, 1411 E. 36th St., both of Odessa, Tex. Ariel, Houston, Tex. 77036 Filed Dec. 26, 1961, Ser. No. 162,128

' 2 Claims. (Cl. 350301) This invention relates to periscopic-illumination-air-decontamination means for fall-out shelters and the like.

Although the necessity for the so-called fall-out shelter may be overstated and may never materialize, we hope, such enclosures are being urged upon us by those in our governments who are in positions of trust and knowledge. Furthermore, thousands upon thousands of these shelters have been built to date, and it appears not unlikely that many times the number extant will be built in the near future. They are, and will be, designed to accommodate groups ranging in size from a small family to a community numbering many hundreds.

Regardless of the size of the group to be accommodated, the purpose of each ofthe shelters is the same: To save the lives and protect the health of its inhabitants. According to the experts, a future World War would subject not only the military but also the civilian populations to many types of hazards, including concussion, nuclear radiation, gases, and bacteria, Since the fall-out shelters are designed as underground retreats, the concussion hazard, we are told, essentially is eliminated thereby for all nuclear blasts except those in the immediate vicinity of the shelter; of course, the shelter can be entirely above ground level, in which case it must be much more rigidly constructed. However, this logic does not apply to the other types ofhazards previously mentioned.

Without some means to provide decontaminated air to those therein, the shelter would be-worthless as protection against the radiation, gaseous and bacterial hazards. One way of accomplishing this would be to store compressed air; however, the disadvantages of this method are numerous and it would be prohibitively expensive. Another way, which comprises one aspect of our invention, would be an air-filtration device.

Although not absolutely necessary to life, the fall-out shelter should be illuminated part of the time, and some means should exist for'viewing occurrences in the sky and on the ground above, without subjecting the occupants to undue risks. The advantages and necessity for these comforts require no discussion.

While some means of providing decontaminated air into the shelter is absolutely necessary and it would be comforting to the shelter occupants to have illumination and means to view that occurring above them, when possible, the number of openings into the shelter should be maintained at the absolute minimum in order to reduce the possibility of the entrance of contamination into the shelter.

It is therefore a principal object of our invention to provide means for furnishing decontaminated air to a fall-out shelter while simultaneously furnishing illumination therein and a view of the earth and sky thereabove.

It is a further object of our invention to provide such means through only one opening in the shelter enclosure- It is another object of our invention to provide such means which furnish illumination within the shelter during the day by sunlight alone.

It is still another object of our invention to provide such means by which the entire horizon and visible sky can be viewed from within the shelter.

Yet another object of our invention is to provide such means which allows no back flow of contaminated air when in operation.

79760; and Mertis Gene Hopkins, 6123 Patented May 30, 1967 Additional objects will be apparent from a study of the following disclosure and attached claims in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side, elevational view of our invention.

FIGURE 2 is a front, elevational view of our invention.

FIGURE 3 is a side, elevational view in section of our invention.

Structure Referring to the drawings, by reference characters we have indicated our solarventascope at 11 in FIGS. 1 through 3. The principal structural, or housing, members of the solarventascope are filter housing 12, mirror box 23 rigidly sealed to housing 12 at 19, inner transfer pipe 39 rigidly sealed to mirror box 23 at 23a, and outer transfer pipe 38 which partially encloses pipe 39.

The solarventascope is designed for installation in and on the roof 40 of an underground fall-out shelter. Roof 40 of this shelter would be for all practical purposes at ground level. Outer transfer pipe 38 is rigidly sealed at 40a to the roof. As shown, the entire solarv'entascope, with the exception of outer transfer pipe 38, may be rotated 360 in a horizontal plane within outer transfer pipe 38. This rotation is made possible by rollers 36 which are mounted on roller attachment 37 which encircles pipe 38. Attachment 37 is secured to pipe 38 adjacent its upper end. The upper end of pipe 38 extends into groove35 cut into the lower surface of collar 33 which is secured to and encircles pipe 39. Collar 33 is also secured to the lower surface 30 of box 23. When pipe 39 is rotated within pipe 38, the lower surface of collar 33 rolls -on rollers 36, a. plurality of which are mounted on and around'pipe 38 as described before. Skirt 34 is secured to and encircles collar 33. The skirt extends downwardly around rollers 36 and serves as protection to the rollers.

Skirt 34 and inner pipe 39, especially to a point below roof 40, may be lined with lead to reduce radiation within pipe 39. Also, to back of mirror 31 (described herein after) may be covered with lead for the same purpose, when mirror 31 is in the position shown in FIG. 3.

Plume 48 encircles a portion of pipe 39 and is secured to the lower portion of pipe 39 at 50a. The lower portion of plume 48 sealingly engages the portion of pipe 39 to prevent air from flowing therebetween. Connected to plume 48 is a duct 50 to provide an air passage therebetween. The opposite end of duct 50 is connected to an air blower 51 which is positioned within the fall-out shelter. Thepurpose of blower 51, duct 50 and plume 48 will be discussed hereinafter.

Above roof 40, baffle 43 encircles outer transfer pipe 38 and is sealingly connected at one end to pipe 38 above a plurality of openings 47 in the pipe. Baffle 43 has an inner portion 43a, the upper end of which is also sealingly connected to pipe 38. Portion 43a is connected to pipe 38 above holes 47. The lower end of portion 43a is sealingly connected to a horizontal member 43b, the inner surface of which is likewise sealingly connected to pipe 38 below the plurality of holes 47. Member 43b likewise encircles pipe 38.

Portion 43a contains a plurality of holes 43c circumferentially spaced about pipe 38. Encircling pipe 38 and sealingly connected to portion 43a above the holes 430 is a rubber or other pliable sleeve 44, the opposite end of which is free to move away from portion 43a upon the exertion of air pressure through holes 43c. The purpose of baffle 43, members 43a and 43b and sleeve 44 will be discussed hereinafter with duct 50 and blower 51.

e ,1 Mirror box 23 is an oblong box having a glass, or other transparent, end 21 and a glass, or other transparent, top 22, the remaining sides and bottom of which may be metallic or other rigid material. The portion of top 22 directly above'pipe 39 (i.e., above the circumference of 3 pipe 39) may be covered by one or more thin sheets of lead releasably secured to box 23 to prevent the entrance of radiation into pipe 39 from directly thereabove. All connections and joints of the box are sealed to prevent the entrance of air or other gases. The end of the box opposite end 21 contains an opening across which a porous retainer 18 is mounted. Secured to the end of mirror box 23 opposite end 21 at 19 is the aforementioned filter housing 12. This housing serves to protect filter 14. Filter 14 is comprised of a filter can 14b which is maintained in the position shown by rod 14a which extends therethrough and into lfilter box 23. Nut 14c bears against and within the end of mirror box 23 opposite end 21 and 14d of can 14 likewise bears against this end of mirror box 23. A plurality of holes are cut into the side of can 14 for a purpose to be hereinafter discussed. Mounted within can 14 and around its outer circumference is a paper filter 13 designed to filter foreign bodies from air which may pass through the filter. Mounted within can 14 and filter 13 is a specially prepared charcoal which will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. Secured to the mirror box 23 and extending into can 14 within filter 13 is a sleeve or bafiie 15. This sleeve is secured to the mirror box in such manner that any air or other gas passing through porous retainer 18 would have to pass lengthwise through sleeve 15, the end of sleeve 15 opposite retainer 18 being open.

End 12a of housing 12 extends beyond plate 14b to provide a space 12b. The lower surface of housing 12 adjacent space 12b is open to the atmosphere in such manner that air may pass through into space 12b.

Mounted within box 23 to floor 30 is mirror 24, the reflective surface of which faces upwardly. Mirror 24 is hinged at 29 in such manner that it can be rotated in a vertical plane about pivot 29. Rod 25 is connected at one end to mirror 24 and its opposite end to one end of lever 26. The other end of lever 26 is connected to gear box 27 which is mounted within box 23 on one of its sides. Extending downwardly from and connected to gear box 27 is control rod 28, which extends downwardly through pipe 39 into the fall-out shelter. Rod 28 is secured to the inside of pipe 39 to prevent its displacement therefrom. A knob or handle 52a is secured to the lower end of rod 28. The linkage provided by rod 28, gear box 27, lever 26, and rod 25 is such that upon rotation of rod 28 mirror 24 can be pivoted about 29 to a vertical position; and upon rotation of rod 28 in the opposite direction, mirror 24 can be returned to the horizontal position shown.

Mirror 31 is also mounted within box 23 to floor 30; however, the reflective surface of this mirror faces downwardly. Also, mirror 31 is positioned within box 23 so that it is positioned directly over pipe 39 when in the horizontal position shown. This mirror is hinged at 32 in such manner that it can be rotated in a vertical plane about pivot 32. Lever 59 is connected at one end to mirror 31. The opposite end of lever 59 is connected to gear box 60 (not shown) which latter is mounted on the inside wall of box 23 facing the reader. Control rod 61, shown in FIG. 2, is connected to gear box 60 and extends downwardly through pipe 39 into the fall-out shelter. Rod 61, also, is secured to the inside of pipe 39 to prevent its displacement therefrom. A knob or handle 61a is secured to the lower end of rod 61. The linkage provided by lever 59, gear box 60, and rod 61 is such that upon rotation of rod 61, mirror 31 can be pivoted about 32 to a vertical position; and upon rotation of rod 61 in the opposite direction, mirror 31 can be returned to the horizontal position shown.

Mirrors 24 and 31 are so positioned within box 23 that the following is provided: First, with mirror 24 positioned horizontally, as shown, and mirror 31 elevated 45 from the horizontal, the image of an object outside of box 23 in the direction A may be reflected by mirror 31 down pipe 39; and, secondly, with mirror 24 elevated as desired and mirror 31 elevated 45 from the horizontal, the image of an object outside of box 23 in any vertical direction B may be reflected by mirror 24 to mirror 31, then by mirror 31 down pipe 39.

Of course, with mirror 24 so positioned that the suns image is reflected as just described, sunlight can be directed down pipe 39.

Collar 53 encircles and is rigidly secured to pipe 39 adjacent its lower end. Handles 58 are secured to collar 53 so that pipe 39 may be rotated. Bracket 53a is secured to bracket 53. Connector 54 extends from bracket 53a and is shaped so that holder 56 extending upwardly from the opposite end of connector 54 is positioned directly below the center of pipe 39. Mirror 55 is pivotally mounted on holder 56 so that it may be rotated as desired thereon. Reflective surface 55a of mirror 55 faces in the direction opposite holder 56.

Thus, as is evident, any image, including sunlight, directed downwardly through pipe 39 from mirror 31 may be directed by mirror 55 in any direction within the fallout shelter.

-In order to raise or lower mirror 55, pipe 39 may be terminated at any point such as 39a below plume 48 and above collar 53. Then, instead of pipe 39 below 39a, a reduced diameter pipe 39b (not shown) may be telescopically connected within pipe 39. Of course, pipe39b can be raised or lowered without affecting the vertical position of pipe 39.

Blower 51 may be any one of a number of air blowers available today. However, for uses of this type, blower 51 should be operable, when necessary, by manual power.

Pipe 39 may be sealed at its upper end and therebelow at a point 61, a distance of several feet, by glass or other transparent material in order that the intervening space can be filled with water or other transparent liquid or solution, such as one containing boron, which will reduce the transmission of radiation downwardly through pipe 39 into the shelter. Of course, in this'event, another pipe must be provided to conduct filtered air from housing 12 into the shelter.

In addition to the structure shown, entrance 17 into housing 12 may be adapted with an over-pressure, blast shutter (not shown) designed to close automatically upon sensing any abrupt increase in air pressure or blast.

For added protection the entire box 23 and housing 12 may be enclosed by a concrete box (not shown), either above or below ground, fitted with a roof designed to open when box 23, housing 12, and pipe 39 are raised, and designed to close when said box, housing, and pipe are lowered. In this case collar 33 would sealingly engage pipe 39 to permit vertical movement of pipe 39 relative to collar 33. In such design our invention could be lowered in case of impending blast nearby, and the roof of said concrete box lowered to seal the concrete box.

Flow lines (not shown) may be provided from any point within the shelter, opening onto glass end 21 and top '22, and be adapted to permit these glass portions to be sprayed with water or other cleansing agent as and when desired.

Operation The solarventascope is installed in the roof of the fallout shelter in such manner that the lower portion of pipe 38 extends into the fall-out shelter. Of course, the juncture of the shelter and pipe 38 is sealed to prevent the passage of air therebetween.

Air blower 51 may be located at any place in the shelter. The blower is connected to plume 48 by duct '50 as specified before. All openings into the shelter are interface for an obvious reason, to wit: To permit collar 33 to rotate relative to pipe 38 which is stationary.

With blower 51 in operation and all openings into the shelter reduced to a minimum, a partial vacuum is created in the shelter, causing air to be forced from outside into space 12b, through filter paper 13 and treated charcoal 16, through sleeve 15 and retainer 18, into box 23, thence down pipe 39 and into the shelter.

The air thus drawn into the shelter is essentially free of any harmful gases, bacteria, or other foreign particles which have been irradiated. Paper filter 13 removes foreign particles having appreciable size. Those not so removed are rendered harmless by charcoal 16 which has been treated with silver, copper, and chromium salts (per US. Government Specification MIL-C- 13724A);

Increased quantities of air may be treated by enlarging the filter to provide more filter paper 13 and activated charcoal 16.

, With mirror 55 adjusted to the proper height, it is then.

adjusted so that one looking into it has a view upwardly through pipe 39. Then, rod 61 is rotated to raise or lower mirror 31 to the'desired angle. When this mirror is elevated to an angle of 45 with the horizontal, the viewer can see through the glass end 21. By rotating pipe 39 with handles 58, the viewer may observe the surface above him through an azimuth of 360.

When it is desired to observe the sky, or to provide sunlight in the shelter, mirror 24 is raised to the desired height by rotating rod 28 and by directing glass end 21 toward the object to be observed. For example, if sunlight is desired, end 21 is directed toward the sun and mirror 24 is elevated until the suns image is reflected from mirror 24 to mirror 31, thence tomirror 55. Then, sunlight is reflected from mirror 55 into the shelter.

With mirrors having areas of less than one square foot each, it has been found that sufficient light may be thus provided in the shelter for reading purposes by one having normal vision.

From the foregoing it is seen that means have been provided for furnishing decontaminated air into a fall-out shelter while simultaneously furnishing illumination therein and a view of the earth and sky thereabove.

It is further seen that such means have been provided which employ only one opening in the shelter enclosure. It is also seen that such means have been provided which furnish, illuminationwithin the shelter'during the day by sunlight alone.

It is further seen that such means have been provided by which the entire horizon and visible sky may be viewed from within the shelter.

It is also seen that such means have been provided 'which permit no back flow of contaminated air when in operation.

It is also seen that all of these provisions have been made in a single unit.

It is to be understood that the form of the invention shown and described is to be taken as a preferred embodiment of same and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of particulars may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the attached claims.

Having described our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Periscopic means for viewing the entire horizon and sky from within an enclosed space, comprising: a first vertical tubular housing, first mirror means located 'beneath and attached to said housing in said enclosed space to permit a vertical view through said housing; second mirror means adjustably mounted above said first mirror means for providing a view within said enclosed space of that without said enclosed space having an elevation approximating the elevation of said second mirror means; third mirror means, laterally displaced-from said second mirror means, adjusta'bly mounted for providing a view within said enclosed space of the entire sky; and adjusting means coupled to said second and third mirror means for altering the attitude of said second and third mirror means to provide said views of the horizon and sky.

2. The combination of claim 1 including a filter means mounted within said first housing and, a blower means connected to a second housing surrounding said first housing for forcing exhaust 'air out of said enclosed space through said second housing and creating a partial vacuurn within said enclosed space whereby air under atmospheric pressure is forced through said filter means into said enclosed space.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 826,155 7/1906 Dudley 8869 1,072,392 9/1913 Spear et al 11416.11 1,797,867 3/1931 Karnes 8869 1,859,682 5/1932 Ranstead 881 2,787,333 4/1957 'Boone et al. 55316 2,951,551 9/1960 West 55-316 3,006,244 lO/ 1961 Farrington 88-69 X R. L. WIBERT, Assistant Examiner. 

1. PERISCOPIC MEANS FOR VIEWING THE ENTIRE HORIZON AND SKY FROM WITHIN AN ENCLOSED SPACE, COMPRISING; A FIRST VERTICAL TUBULAR HOUSING, FIRST MIRROR MEANS LOCATED BENEATH AND ATTACHED TO SAID HOUSING IN SAID ENCLOSED SPACE TO PERMIT A VERTICAL VIEW THROUGH SAID HOUSING; SECOND MIRROR MEANS ADJUSTABLY MOUNTED ABOVE SAID FIRST MIRROR MEANS FOR PROVIDING A VIEW WITHIN SAID ENCLOSED SPACE OF THAT WITHOUT SAID ENCLOSED SPACE HAVING AN ELEVATION APPROXIMATING THE ELEVATION OF SAID SECOND MIRROR MEANS; THIRD MIRROR MEANS, LATERALLY DISPLACED FROM SAID SECOND MIRROR MEANS, ADJUSTABLY MOUNTED FOR PROVIDING A VIEW WITHIN SAID ENCLOSED SPACE OF THE ENTIRE SKY; AND ADJUSTING MEANS COUPLED TO SAID SECOND AND THIRD MIRROR MEANS FOR ALTERING THE ATTITUDE OF SAID SECOND AND THIRD MIRROR MEANS TO PROVIDE SAID VIEWS OF THE HORIZON AND SKY. 